Plus One

Today was the School Mass, and Brandon was my plus one!  The boys were so glad that he came.  With the 4th grade in the choir and today Danny was bringing in the gifts as well.  Such a special time.  Thank you Brandon for coming with me, it meant a lot to all of us.  I wish he could come every Wednesday, but I know that he cannot.  So when he does it is nice for all of us especially the boys.
At after school care I had a lot of questions about who I was with at Mass, I thought more of them had met Brandon but I guess the few times he has come by s many of them are already gone. 
John Michael had soccer practice today and they did really good.  I am so glad that he likes soccer so much, the running and the fresh air are great.  I do wish the ants were not as bad up there and I could really get some good walking time in.  Maybe once it cools off some it will be better. 

A Little Bit of Practice

So today was Mass day which as I have said before is my favorite day of the week.  I need the balance in my life that I get from Mass.  I love spending the time with Jesus and with my boys.  It is a special day and my big man was singing in the choir again.  I am so proud of him. 
I am determined to get the massive list of things done that I have to.  It is all definitely a work in progress but I am getting there, one step at a time.
This afternoon both of the boys had practice.  John Michael had soccer practice and Danny baseball.  I had to work a little late since Mrs. Debbie was out and so John Michael's coach came and got him and took him to the soccer fields.  Brandon came and picked up Danny to head to the ballpark. 
To say that we stay busy is an understatement, but one day the boys will be grown and we will miss these days. 

Shut Your Pie Hole

So today was a day that I felt like was a spiral of crazy.  I am so thankful that it started with Mass with the boys.  I love school Masses and am so glad that they are back to my weekly schedule.  It just helps me to be centered.  There is always chaos in my life and while Mass does not eliminate that it allows me to refocus and regroup.  An hour in the middle of the week spent with Jesus and my boys is just what I need.

It was a nice surprise this morning to find that thr 4th grade will be the choir for this first quarter.  Well they are splitting it with the 5th grade but still, I love to see my baby boy up there. 

After Mass I started running around like a crazy woman.  I had a lot to do before 2:30 when I had to be at school to get set up for After School Care. 

I headed to the Scout Shop to get the awards that I needed for the Scouts who went to Summer Camp, I also got Danny and John Michael their books for this year.  The man at the scout shop was so helpful and we really great with showing me some way to save and make thinsgs for the pack go a lot further.  I love nice people who are willing to help others and go out of their way to do more than just a job.

Then I headed to the trophy shop to check on the trophies for the 2011 popcorn sales winners.  I ended up having to get one of the other scout leaders Meghan to  pick them up as they were not ready.  Thank you Meghan and thank you Quality Trophy in Trussville.  Everything worked out and the trophies looked SO good.
Then to the dollar store to get what I needed for our Popcorn Kickoff with scouts.  They had some cute popcorn bowls and things that were perfect for the party.  I was also able to get the pie pans that we need for the meeting.  I did end up having to go to Winn Dixie for the whipped cream to fill them. 

The boys had a great day at school today, which is always good news for momma.  They are learning so much and are loving it which means so much to me.  I love hearing about their days and what they liked best, what they did not like as much, and what was funny about the day. 

This was our last day in the gym this week since there is a craft show that will be taking place.  It is all good though, but it would be nice if we could wear shorts. 

John Michael had his first soccer practice tonight.  He did good and seemed to really have a great time.  His team is awesome and he is looking forward to his first game.  I do think that we need more practice time but the fields are jammed at SFX so once a week looks like all we can get, at least for now. 

Right after soccer was the first pack meeting of the year!  I love SCOUTS!  This year we are starting off with our popcorn kickoff.  This is a great fundraiser for the scouts so if you like popcorn let me know I have some to sell you.  To get the boys pumped we had the top sellers from last year throw a pie in Brandon's face.  He is the cubmaster and this was one of the prizes for selling over $500.  I was going to demonstrate how to do this, but I let John Michael.  Amy made us some super yummy cupcakes!  Thank you so much!  

We came home and mom had dinner ready and waiting.  We ate and seriously crashed.  It was non-stop but productive and fun. 

I HATE BUGS

So this morning started off great. We were up on time, I did a little yoga, drank a little coffee, got a shower, got ready, and got the boys ready and to school. Yes, it was a great morning. I even started dinner, and laundry before we headed out!
I went to the store to get the things that Danny needed to make the snack that he wanted to make for the pack meeting tomorrow night. While I was getting the groceries out of the van I heard something. I looked up and there was a locust in the garage. So anyone who knows anything about me knows that I am terrified of all bugs and those nasty creatures. So I ran inside shaking. I finally made it back in the garage, got the van windows up and outside just in case he was in there and left the garage doors open the rest of the morning. I never saw him again, hopefully he left and will never come back. I am seriously terrified when it comes to bugs. Needless to say even though I parked in the garage tonight, my windows are up. Still feeling a little shaky, the thought of that thing being in the garage seriously petrifies me.
The boys had great days at school. Danny has learned to say a decade of the Rosary in German for the International Rosary on Thursday. It is gorgeous listening to him. I cannot wait to listen to the whole school when they do the Rosary in multiple languages.
John Michael got a green face which meant he was out of trouble. I know that he can do it, and am so proud of him when he does I just wish he would start doing it every day.
We had soccer practice today but we also had soccer pictures. His coach is also a photographer, she owns Future Memories and does great work. John Michael actually looked at the camera and at her so I was super happy as he is not the easiest to photograph. Soccer practice was great, they even got to scrimmage a little with the other under 6 team.
We came home and had dinner and then it was time for John Michael to get his hair trimmed....well, that is what it was supposed to be, he ended up with a hair cut. I was not too happy, but I keep telling myself it will grow back. Brandon keeps telling me that too.
Well, I am hoping to get a little work done and then head to bed. Hoping that tomorrow starts out like today and just gets better and is not interrupted by a killer locust.

Brakes...

So I went today with the goal in mind of getting my brakes done, well I do not have the kind of money that I was told it was going to take. Praying that they will hold together for a few weeks and then hopefully I can get something done. I will be limiting my driving to school and photo shoots and on the weekends I guess we will be using Brandon's truck.
The boys' both had a great day today. Thursday papers were the center of attention for homework and I am so excited to say that this week they took less time than they have all school year. I think Danny is getting it...Do it right the first time then you do not have to redo it! John Michael had a green face and did great on his papers. We are definitely making progress in the right direction.
So if I was not already stressed about money and brakes I get home get the main and have 2 bills from the doctors. One for me and one for Danny together they total almost $500. Add that to the $600 deductible I will have to pay for John Michael come next Friday and I am not sure at all what the heck we will do. Praying for a break from the financial burdens. This too shall pass...this too shall pass...this too shall pass...said with the ruby slippers on and clicking together.
Soccer practice this afternoon was great. They really seemed to get it and hopefully the game this weekend will show their hard work at practice. Win or lose though they are having a good time and definitely learning. All of the kids on our team are rookies and I am super proud of them no matter what! Their coaches are also extremely patient, which is a trait I wish that I had.
Well, I am trying to get the boys in bed, and I hope to follow them there soon. I need to be in bed by 9...doubtful, but hopeful.

Christmas and Soccer

So what do these two things have in common? My day!

I dropped the boys off this morning and came home to start wrapping. I am going to get ahead of the stuff and this is definitely the first step. I am seriously not sure how we ended up with so much. I feel like I am on an episode of hoarders. I actually got a lot done and feel a little more accomplished.

The boys' had a great day today. We had another green face. After school was soccer, which is always a lot of fun. The boys get to run off energy and I have a few minutes to just relax, walk, talk, and enjoy the day.

The boys' were super excited to find out that their Halloween costumes had arrived. They are too cute too. Danny is Captain Jack Sparrow and John Michael is Batman. They tried them on and while we were close to having to send them back they should work. They look great in them.

Well, I am off. It has been a busy day and there is a lot to do tomorrow. Cleaning out the van is one step in the day, the one that scares me the most to be honest. Know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Terrific Tuesday

So this morning we woke up on time, not as early as I would like, but on time. This was a nice change from yesterday. YAY for good things happening. The smallest of blessings can make such a huge difference in a day and that was certainly the case today.


While the boys were in school, I scrubbed the bathrooms. I have so much to get done, but one step at a time. I am determined to make progress everyday no matter how big or small. Every step counts. I spent the rest of the day down in the office. I have so many Christmas presents already and I have to get them out of the office so we can get our office back downstairs and off our dining room table. Right now the stuff is one and I am none, hopefully I can change that tomorrow. I honestly did not remember having so much already, which is good and bad. I might have a jump start on 2012's Christmas.
Danny had a great day at school today. He likes Tuesdays because he can wear his scout uniform, which is just something different. I can understand that. I am just glad that he likes to wear it. I am hoping that I can take it to the cleaner's tomorrow and get them to correct my mishaps on his patches.
John Michael had a good day in school, but ended up with another yellow face. I know that he can behave so I am not sure what is happening with him lately. I hope and pray that tomorrow is better.
After school we had soccer practice. John Michael was super pumped that his friend Chason was practicing with him. They are awesome.
We had spaghetti for dinner and John Michael added some Halloween bling to his. Thank goodness for sprinkles! He loves to decorate his food. At least he ate it tonight, which is better than the last time he made his spaghetti sparkle.
Well, they are in bed and I am headed there too. I wanted to be in bed at 9, but 10 is better than 11. Here's to hoping I get some rest. Falling asleep and staying that way seems to be the problem. It will get better though. Please know that I am remembering you all in my thoughts and prayers. Please continue to send them up for my friend Cassandra.

Rough Thursday

So today was even worse for me than yesterday was. I really hope that I feel better soon. I do not like to feel bad, especially to the point of not being able to function. Going on two days of this kind of pain is not good for me or for my family.
We did not even go to soccer practice because of it. I know that John Michael needs the practice, but there was just no way I could have stayed.
We came home and John Michael had a yellow face from his teacher today. Yellow faces make me sad. Hopefully this will be the last. He is grounded until tomorrow when he better come home with a green face. I told him that is what would make me happy. I need to figure out a reward system for his behavior, maybe that will be the incentive that he needs. Something to think about when I can think.
Danny had a good bit of homework, which is common on Thursdays. These papers were by far the best yet. I am super proud of how good he is doing so far in third grade.
Well, I am off to bed. Praying for all of you and for me that I can actually get some much needed sleep!

What a Thursday

So today did not turn out anything like I was hoping it would. It will all work out though and I know that. I know that I have the two best children, an amazing husband, and my Faith. We have gotten through larger things and this we will get through too.

The boys had a great day at school. Today was Thursday papers day, which meant a lot of homework for Danny. They both did very well on their papers, and I am very proud of them for that. Danny just needs to take some time and he would do even better.

John Michael had soccer practice. I took advantage and walked a few laps. I am determined to do more and more each day. He did great at practice and really seems to be enjoying soccer. I love the fact that the boys both enjoy sports so much. They did several drills to get ready for their game this Saturday. Danny has decided that he likes soccer now too so next Fall I am sure that they will both be playing.

After practice we headed to Remlap for a Maternity session. It was a lot of fun, and I cannot wait to get to work on the pictures. Keep an eye out on MonicaAnne Photography's blog for more on the session. I love the fact that I love what I do. It is truly an amazing feeling. I have always been told that true success comes with doing what you love, I know that there is a lot of truth to that.

When we got home John Michael played photographer for a while with my little camera. It was too cute, and that is the picture of the day today.

Well, I am off. I hope that you all have an amazing night. Know that everyone is in my thoughts and prayers.

Rained Out

So today we were supposed to have soccer practice, but the rain won out for the day.
It was most definitely a nasty day. I seriously could have stayed in the bed most of the day. It was just one of those sleepy rainy days. Plus I did not get anything accomplished anyway. I probably could have at least gotten rid of the bags under my eyes had I taken a good nap. :)
The boys had a great day in school even though they were stuck inside most of the day. Recess and PE are almost always outside, but there has to be exceptions for rainy days. It was much needed though and they know tomorrow will be better.
Today was also progress report day. I was very happy with both of the boys' work. I know that they have been working hard, and I am super proud of them. I know that they will keep it up as they really do love to learn. They really make me happy.
Since it was rainy once homework was done we had a lazy day. I worked on laundry and that was about it. Next week I will be more productive. I would say the rest of this week, but I am actually pretty busy with photography sessions for the rest of the week. YAY!!!
Well, I still prayers. Thanks everyone. Know that you are all in my prayers!

Stressful

Well today was more stressful than it was productive. I even tried clicking my heels together and willing my day to be productive. No such luck.

Basically I started working in the office and feel like I made ZERO progress. I was contemplating going back down for an hour tonight, but not so sure that will happen.

There are financial issues where Brandon works, which makes me very nervous. I do not like it when things are shaky and that is what they seem to be. I need stability and security, and basically I do not have that at all right now. Our business really needs to pick up so I can make some money to put up for the future. When you factor in tuition for the boys and the house, and everything else I am just nervous.

Well, the boys had a great day today. John Michael made a snake that he has had way too much fun with. He told me it was "Bernice, the Python Corn Filled Snake." Fortunately it was made of paper! Danny had a great day too, and we were able to get homework knocked out even before soccer, which is always very nice.

Soccer practice was great, the two under 6 teams scrimmaged, which was so cute. I love watching them out there just having fun.

After soccer we delivered Danielle's wedding pictures and DVD. I hope that she likes them. Then we went to Academy to get black shorts and red soccer socks. I am so glad that I can quit stressing over these two things, especially since there is a game Saturday! John Michael is super excited.

Well, dinner has been taken care of and the boys are clean so I am not far from bed. We slept late this morning and cannot have that happen again. It is no fun when you have to check in.

Welcome to September

Wow! So I woke up this morning still not believing that September is really here. WOW! Yep, that is about all I have to say. I am looking forward to this month though and all of the amazing blessings that I know it will be bringing.

The boys had a great day at school. Thursday papers came home, and I was super pleased. They both seem to be doing really well. I cannot believe that they have covered so much. Danny is rocking and rolling with 3rd grade, and John Michael is with Kindergarten.

Today was soccer day so after I got them in the car we parked, worked on homework, changed John Michael, and then headed to practice. It was another hot one. I was going to walk while he practiced but the mederal dose pack I am on has the heat really beating me down. I love the heat and summer, but those two are not mixing well. hopefully next week will be better. He did great at practice. He is really into soccer and is doing really well considering he has never played. I just love knowing that they are having fun.

After practice we had a quick photo shoot for Poshy Tots and an outfit that they needed done. Thank you Ashlyn for being such a great model.

PS....City of Clay you need to do something about the small playground!!!

On a serious note, I am asking that you all pray for a special child. Cali is her name and her parents had to make the decision that would only be possible with Faith and love from God. Cali has been on life support and it will be turned off tomorrow. It has been a long hard fight and in her short five months Cali has moved so many people and touched so many lives. It breaks my heart that she will be leaving this earth, but she has done so much in such a short period of time. While I do not know her personally, but through a mutual friend. Her story has touched me in ways that I cannot express. Please pray for Cali as she goes to play with the angels tomorrow. Also pray for her family.

Well, I am off to bed. It has been a long day and one that has drained at my heart. I love my time with my family and it is moments like this I want to cuddle with them all and never let go.

Open House

Well today was definitely better than yesterday on the health meter. Thank goodness, another day and I would have been more apt to head to the doctor quite possibly the ER. I can handle a cold, what I cannot stand is my asthma feeling so out of control.

John Michael had soccer practice after school today. His coach has moved it up till 3:30, which works for me, it saves 30 minutes of me trying to kill time. He is loving it and I am glad. Of course Danny wants to play now, but we are going to wait until next year.

Tonight was my favorite Home and School meeting of the year. Well, I like them all but this one really is a lot of fun as we get to know more about our children's teachers and their schedules. John Michael had left me the sweetest poem in his room. Nothing like crying right off. Danny left me an awesome letter in computer. Again bringing the tears. My boys really are amazing.

Well, I am going to be yet another day behind. Mainly because my camera is downstairs and I am just too tired to go get it. I will upload and get caught up in the morning and will stay that way for tomorrow night. Then I will be able to start September off on the right foot.

Know that you are all in my prayers. To Josie....Happy Happy First Birthday Sweet Girl!!!